In Conversation: Ludovic de Saint Sernin And Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing

'What I really love doing is taking inspiration from my own life. My first collection was really a coming-of-age story – a coming out story,' says Ludovic de Saint Sernin. 'And I really wanted it to be something people can relate to.' Since cutting his teeth as an embellishment expert, MATCHESFASHION Innovator Ludovic de Saint Sernin has made a name for himself championing a fluid approach to dressing with his eponymous label. Here, he re-connects with old boss Olivier Rousteing in the place it all began – the Balmain atelier. Our annual Innovators programme championing emerging talent is back. This year, 14 menswear and womenswear designers are taking part, receiving integral support and mentoring to grow their businesses and, in turn, deliver exciting collections and stories. Join us this month for a series of exclusive conversations that see the emerging menswear and womenswear talents paired with established designers they admire – from Donatella Versace to Olivier Rousteing. The Innovators programme 2021 features: Michael Halpern, Priya Ahluwalia, Harris Reed, Grace Wales Bonner, Bianca Saunders, Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena-Irons, Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt, Thebe Magugu, Steven Stokey-Daley, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Nensi Dojaka, Charles Jeffrey, Kevin Germanier and Maximilian Davis. Discover more on our Instagram: instagram.com/matchesfashion